From Track To Street: The Street-Legal Toyota/Lexus GR GT3 Is Here!
by AutoExpert | 20 June, 2024
The upcoming Toyota/Lexus GR GT3 racing vehicle will release a street-legal version to compete with other powerful front-engined sports cars like the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT. Tests over the last few weeks have shown several versions of the race vehicle in action.
Toyota tested the GR GT3 earlier this month at Belgium's Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The automobile will replace the outdated Lexus RC F GT3 racer, primarily inspired by the GR GT3 concept from 2022.
To comply with homologation regulations, Toyota and Lexus must release a road version that has the same fundamental outline. The road version will also utilize the racing vehicle's basic powertrain. According to spy footage, the racer has a twin-turbocharged V8, and the street version may get a hybrid boost as well.
The next Lexus flagship will need 650 horsepower to compete with the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage, and a force-fed V8 hybrid powertrain is an easy way to achieve this. The final product will resemble the prototypes in every way except for the untamed wings.
A tall hood, a big grille up front, and angular LED headlights are all hallmarks of such a vehicle. Its low and broad profile will mirror that of the LC, and its sleek back will have a large lip spoiler and sharp taillights. Sadly, the exact design of the inside is still a secret. The 2026 Daytona 24 Hours will be the first race for the new racing vehicle. The road version may also debut in 2026, according to Autocar.